New keys for Rav4 T180

[cdickens]

Hi, firstly, thanks to all who welcomed me to the forum.

I have just brought a 2007 Rav4 T180 and I am told by the dealer that it only has one key (grey I think) that gives me keyless entry into the car.  I would like to know if there is a way of obtaining new keys with a different code that is mine alone.  I am worried that if a previous owner finds out where the car is or sees it on my travels they could take the car.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thanks

[FROSTYBALLS]

Usually with Toyota, the black key is the master key and the grey key is the valet key.

Moved to Rav4 club

[firemac]

This seems odd as the grey key is the valet key and has no remote/keyless access to the car. It should also come with ideally two remote keys, i.e. keys with open/lock buttons that give keyless entry. It may or may not then have keyless start depending upon the model/year.

IIRC, getting new remote keys programmed is not cheap and may require a new ECU; but I'm sure that others with more knowledge than I will comment in due course. I agree that it is a serious risk not having those remote keys; personally I wouldn't buy a car that only came with the valet key - where are the remote keys and why aren't they with the car??

Why don't you insist that the dealer replaces the remote keys as part of the deal?

[cdickens]

Hi, yes I understand that.  I only have the grey key, so no spare.  The dealer said it was the only key he was given.  If I take it to a Toyota dealership could they produce a black

master key by interrogating the ECU?

Thanks

[cdickens]

Sorry firemac I replied to frostyballs before I read your post.  The grey key the dealer has opens the doors remotely and the car has start/stop button.  It is a 2007 Rav4 T180.  I have asked about the extra keys but he said it was the only one that came with the car. 

[firemac]

Much as I admire my local Toyota dealer, I suspect that like most these days he will have no alternative but to replace the necessary bits, like the ECU, rather than repair or reprogramme them. (The early 4.2 automatics have an ECU flaw that can wreck the gearbox but Mr.T will only replace the ECU (at something in excess of £1K) whilst a specialist like EcuTesting will re-flash it for £300-ish.)

In your position I would try a specialist locksmith first as they can sometimes supply and re-programme replacement keys to the ECU. Otherwise it might be an idea to go after the dealer on the basis that the car is not of merchantable quality and not fit for purpose without a properly functioning remote access key, especially as it is essential for setting the anti-theft system.

That valet key is named thus because it only has limited functionality and won't unlock the glovebox, for example, so if you're leaving the car with a car parking attendant, car wash, etc they cannot access anything personal that you may wish to stash in the g/b. Nor will the security system be able to set itself properly with the rolling codes that are generated by the remote key each time it is locked. Not a brilliant system given how easy it is to break into a g/b but that's the principle.

Personally, I'd go after the dealer as he sounds to me as if he's trying it on. No modern car should be sold on with just a valet key - it's rediculous.